This week in the Kenney Administration: 11/3/2017

#PhillyMayorThisWeek recaps five moments from the past seven days you might’ve missed.

Take three minutes to get updated on what’s going on in your city!

1. Philly Free Streets closed roads to cars and opened them to people, from Philadelphia’s Historic District to El Centro de Oro in Fairhill.

Mayor Kenney powerwalked his way through the route. Along the way, different activities — handball demonstrations, dancing, popup murals, and even Pokemon Go characters — provided hours of delightful entertainment and neighborhood connection. Two days after the event, though, the Mayor admitted his enthusiastic powerwalk had some consequences.

2. The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia unveiled a new way to donate directly to public school projects and classrooms.

Using the new website, you can directly donate to a program, classroom, or school itself. Principals identify projects or classroom needs, ensuring that donations are used most effectively to address each school’s unique issues.

3. Mayor Kenney thanked Conrail for their land donation toward the completion of the Schuylkill River Trail system.

The Schuylkill River Trail connects Philadelphians across multiple neighborhoods along Philly’s iconic, and notoriously hard to spell, river, giving communities more access to outdoor activities like running and biking. The railroad company donated property — a swing bridge — that will be turned into a pedestrian and biking crossing that connects the Grays Ferry Crescent to Bartram’s Mile.

Celebrating Conrail's donation of land at the swing bridge to help complete our already amazing Schuylkill River Trail system! pic.twitter.com/tW4yKbBTkq

4. Mayor Kenney encouraged citizens to get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the open enrollment period.

Open enrollment for coverage under the Affordable Care Act is shorter than ever this year, so Mayor Kenney joined City officials and healthcare advocates to encourage people to sign up; the deadline is December 15, 2017. Across the city, City workers at the Free Library and at Department of Public Health centers can answer questions and guide you through applying. Check out Free Library enrollment fairs near you or contact your local health center for assistance while registering.

5. The Mayor addressed City Council, calling for the end of the School Reform Commission (SRC) in favor of local control of Philly’s public schools.

You can read the Mayor’s full statement online.If you’d like to get news on the School Reform Commission and the new school board, please sign up to receive updates from the Mayor’s Office of Education and read our policy paper that addresses the future of education in Philadelphia under local control.

Today — after nearly two years of careful consideration and research, 98 school visits, and conversations with 158…